Bex meets...... Preston D Schroeder

Preston is head of retail at the One&Only Resorts and had a catch up with us at the launch of the new limited edition ranges for retail, and also a celebration of One&Only's tenth birthday! This event featured exclusive pieces from Bex's rainbow plated collection which have been a huge hit and are in demand worldwide. We asked Preston about his work, the design of these magnificent hotels and the role in which Bex plays towards the development of the jewellery available within One&Only!

Tell us about the One&Only Group. How did it start? 

One&Only is the vision of Sol Kerzner. He had a brilliant vision to create rare collection of jewel-like resorts in some of the most beautiful locations around the world. His daughter Chantal, started what we see in retail today and  is still a key player in what we do today.

2. The One & Only Group are located in some of the best parts of the world. How do you choose your locations?

Location is key to a One&Only resort, as the location sets the stage for that particular resort in a that particular country. No two resorts are alike, as each resort embraces its surroundings and local culture with makes each property special and unique.

3. Your restaurants and cuisines are by far, hand picked perfection. Is this a lengthy process to secure the right chef with the right resort and restaurant?

Dining experiences are an integral part of any vacation, but at One&Only we want to set the stage for our guests to have amazing experiences and everlasting memories with some of the finest dining experiences created by master chefs revered the world over – hand picked perfection is definitely how I would describe it.

4. The interior and exterior of your resorts represent elegance with modern class. How do you differentiate each resort to be unique?

No two One&Only properties are alike because we go through extraordinary lengths to embrace local culture, and incorporate that in the design of the resort. When you are at One&Only Reethi Rah, there is no mistaking the charm of the island, whilst at One&Only Cape Town, the resort is built with every room having a the most magnificent view of my favourite site in the world – Table Mountain.

5. Bex Rox is delighted to be apart of the One & Only family. What were your buyers drawn to when they first laid eyes on Bex Rox jewellery?

I remember seeing Bex at London Fashion week a few years ago with her 1st collection, and immediately knew I had the collection for our stores. The jewellery is fun, versatile and easy to wear – exactly what you need on holiday.

6. What are some of your favourite Bex Rox pieces?

Bex has just created 3 pieces of jewellery exclusively for One&Only – a cuff, ring and neck piece. The pieces are unique in a gold, and it looks as if part of the rainbow fell from the sky and landed on the jewels – its going to be everybody's favourite.

7. Bex Rox and One & Only have recently collaborated to create the exclusive limited edition rainbow plated collection. What inspired this collaboration?

Colour! To celebrate our 10 year anniversary, I thought colour should play an important role in all the collaborations - Colour is so sensational, and we thought why use one colour when theres a rainbow.

8. Do you have any collaborations with other designers coming up?

We are working on an exciting project, which once again, will be a first for a hotel group and it does involve an up and coming designer who we know will be a force in the future. Watch this space…

9. Where to next for One & Only? Can you give us a hint on the next location?

So many exciting projects have been signed already. Our next venture is One&Only Sanya, China, soon followed by One&Only Portonovi, Montenegro and One&Only Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.

10. When you think of Bex Rox you think of…..

Joy